50 Best Movies Based on True Events

Truth, it is said, is stranger than fiction — and Hollywood, it seems, has adopted the old adage. Film studios frequently turn to true life stories for movie inspiration.

Filmmakers have based their movies on true stories for well over a century. French director Georges Méliès released his 10 minute “Joan of Arc” film in 1900. Just over a quarter of a century later, Buster Keaton released his now-classic “The General,” which is based on the true story of a Civil War military raid.

There have been many films based on true events since those two examples were released. To find the best movies that are based on true events, 24/7 examined audience and critic ratings from Rotten Tomatoes and Internet Movie Database.